THE INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM
DESCA Programs help innovators and technologists plug into Delaware's innovation ecosystem by connecting them to resources, mentors and funding/strategic partners to help speed the commercialization of their products
INNOVATION 2 INVOICE PROGRAMS
TechConnect
Our TechConnect workshops bring together DESCA Board members and business/industry leaders from our Domain Expert Network to help technologists understand alternative applications and routes to market and help focus priorities and resources on those that are most promising in terms of commercialization potential.
Workshop contact: Erica Crell—Marketing & Program Manager, DESCA
Tech2Market
Launched in 2020, Tech2MarketSM introduces early stage startups, technologists and innovations to foundational products commercialization concepts to help them better leverage their ROI on existing programs offered by the Delaware entrepreneurial ecosystem. The perfect precursor to NSF iCorps, Tech2MarketSM is designed and led by chemical industry leaders with specific expertise in the areas of market mapping, value chain analysis, market segmentation and attractiveness, value creation/value pricing, and go-to-market strategies. The program is highly focused on introducing business tools and applying those tools to real world examples in industry.
Tech2Market Contact: Erica Crell—Marketing & Program Manager, DESCA erica.crell@desustainablechem.org
Lunch & Learns
In 2021, look for sessions on how to access BIRD Grants, SBIR/STTR Grants, the legal aspects of IP and contracts, developing a value proposition, polishing your investor pitch and more.
Lunch & Learn contact: Erica Crell—Marketing & Program Manager, DESCA
Tactics of Entrepreneurs
DESCA recognizes that the chemical and biochemical industry is complex and can seem overwhelming. Tactics of Entrepreneurs is a monthly, innovative CEO Training Forum using dynamic feedback and creative intelligence to ensure that CEO’s properly develop relevant intellectual property, secure early customers, and transition to market development activities. With a focus on Product & Market Development, and Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Tactics of Entrepreneurs is geared to TechConnect and Investor Forum alumni who are focused on product commercialization and market entry.
Tactics of Entrepreneurs contact: Nick Strickland—Board Member, DESCA
Entrepreneurs' Roundtable
A monthly, informal discussion group led by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. A place to ask practical questions and obtain answers about how to run a startup in the chemicals and materials spaces: What's the best way to track time for SBIR Grants? Where have you had luck finding candidates for senior roles? How do you handle hazardous waste pickup? If the group does have the answers, then we'll bring outside experts who do. Contact us if you'd like to join this growing group!
Entrepreneurs' Roundtable contacts: Hannan Murnen- CTO, Compact Membrane Systems, hmurnen@compactmembrane.com and Santiago Rojas-Carbonell, COO, W7 Energy, santiago@w7energy.com
Annual Investor Forum
This venture forum is designed uniquely for pre-vetted, high value startups and qualified investors, corporate strategic funds, and corporate innovation groups. To date, DESCA has held 4 Investor Forums. The companies selected by DESCA to pitch in these forums have collectively raised >$55M in venture capital and secured development relationships or licensing deals with companies such as Shell, Koch Industries, Air Liquide, GE, BASF, Cargill, AkzoNobel and/or undergone profitable acquisitions.
Investor Forum contact: Dora Cheatham—Executive Director, DESCA